Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba Dosage & Review

This herb has been consumed throughout history as a food source and has been used in traditional medicine for various conditions including asthma, joint and muscle pain, ear and eye infections. However, the degree to which this herb acts as a nootropic is still up for debate. Some studies have suggested that it doesn't provide adequate cognitive enhancement, but other sources claim that long term administration improves attention, mental clarity, executive functioning and long-term memory. This can be attributed to its ability to enhance circulation in the brain and body and provides feeling of natural energy and mental focus through modulation of certain neurotransmitters.
Ginkgo biloba is categorized under Herbal Supplements.
It is also known as Tanakan, Tebonin, Maidenhair.

Ginkgo biloba

Also KnownTanakan, Tebonin, Maidenhair

DescriptionThis herb has been consumed throughout history as a food source and has been used in traditional medicine for various conditions including asthma, joint and muscle pain, ear and eye infections. However, the degree to which this herb acts as a nootropic is still up for debate. Some studies have suggested that it doesn't provide adequate cognitive enhancement, but other sources claim that long term administration improves attention, mental clarity, executive functioning and long-term memory. This can be attributed to its ability to enhance circulation in the brain and body and provides feeling of natural energy and mental focus through modulation of certain neurotransmitters.

Ginkgo biloba Dosage

Side Effects

Some side effects include: light nausea, dizziness, and tachycardia. However, these symptoms are temporary and rare when taken at appropriate doses.

Ginkgo biloba Review: What is Ginkgo biloba?

A Natural Cognitive Enhancement Supplement

Known as a "A living fossil" it is one of the oldest natural nootropics. Dating back millions of years, Ginkgo Biloba is considered to be one the oldest living trees on Earth having a lifespan of approximately 2,500 years. It has been used as a very important form of treatment in the ancient years and is now making a minor albiet mainstream-comeback. It has historically been used in ancient Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. It was as a common treatment for a wide variety of conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, ear and eye infections, among many others. Let's examine it's benefits and the mechanism of action to understand this supplement.

1. Ginkgo Biloba and its core ComponentsMajority of the effects of Ginkgo Biloba may be attributed to its core components- the ginkgolides, bilobalides, and flavonoids. These components act by promoting the formation of Thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin. These compounds are responsible for the maintenance and improvement of vascular health by strengthening the walls of the veins throughout the body. (1) Moreover, these compounds are found to enhance our body's blood circulation. Because of this, an efficient supply of blood, nutrients and oxygen are transported to our cells, especially those of our nerve cells. As a result, there would be enough fuel for our brain to have that cognitive boost as well as enhanced mental clarity, and alertness. (1) Also because of the improved oxygen supply to our tissues, it may be of great benefit for athletes and active individuals. It fuels our working muscles, giving us energy and endurance to accomplish hard-will requiring tasks. Moreover, Ginkgo Biloba is a potential treatment for conditions involving insufficient blood flow. This includes intermittent claudication and Raynaud's phenomenon. The former refers to a condition that is cause by poor blood circulation to the arteries of the legs and as a result, leaves the individual with an aching, cramping, burning leg pain (4). The latter, however, refers to a disease still associated with poor blood flow. This results from a response to cold temperature leading to the narrowing of arteries.

2. Ginkgo Biloba for Mood and StressIt has also been found that Ginkgo Biloba positively influences one's mood and energy. This is because it increases the levels of certain neurotransmitters namely Serotonin and Norepinephrine. Serotonin is responsible for an individual's mood, pain perception, and other bodily functi ons (6). On the other hand, Norepinephrine is responsible for an individual's response to stress. Because of this mechanism, the user could function at his/her top cognitive performance while having a positive mood and enhanced response in dealing with stressful situations. (2)

3. Ginkgo Biloba for a healthy brainGinkgo Biloba offers another very beneficial property- it acts as a strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. It protects the brain cells from bacteria and fungi that may cause damage to the brain. Because of this, the brain is protected and an overall healthy brain is promoted. (1)

Safety and ReliabilityGenerally, Gingko Biloba is safe to use and is well tolerated. However some reports state side effects such as: headaches, tachycardia, and nausea, all of which are considered to be minor. We should take note that Ginkgo supplements is derived from the leaves of the tree, eating its seeds is not adviceable and may cause seizures.

How To Maximize the effects of Ginkgo Biloba?

1. Maintain proper Ginkgo Biloba dosage and FrequencyFor any drug or supplement you are taking, it very important to know the proper dosage and frequency for you to attain the effects that you want to achieve. As with Ginkgo Biloba, a dose between 120 mg to 600 mg a day is sufficient and generally considered safe. This daily dose may be divided and taken into multiple administrations. You may also increase your daily dosage if you seek a more noticeable effect (if any). (3) It is important to start off with the lowest possible effective dose and then gradually increasing it overtime. You should consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting with any new medication as your condition and health status may play a role.

2. Stacking Ginkgo Biloba

This is done for the purpose of maximizing effects or minimize the side effects of Ginkgo. Ginkgo Biloba acts on Acetylcholine, it would be a great idea to stack it with a cholinergic. In this way, both the cholinergic and Ginkgo Biloba synergize and potentiate each other's effects leading potentially to enhanced cognitive function. An example of which would be the Ginkgo Biloba and Alpha GPC stack. Another popular stack would be the Ginkgo Biloba and the Vinpocetine stack. If you wanted a natural yet still very powerful stack, this might be one of your best option as Vinpocetine also serves to promote an increase in mental energy and focus.